special

Forms

1.Distinguished by a unique, particular, or unusual quality.
- We have something special for you, sir.
2.Of particular value or interest; dear; beloved.
- Everyone is special to someone.
3.Of or related to unconventional warfare.
- We have something special for you, sir.
4.Appointed specifically to examine a single event or issue.
- After the Watergate break in, a special prosecutor was appointed.
- For the few times the U.S. Supreme Court has to actually try a case, they will appoint a special master to do so.

1.A reduction in consumer cost (usually for a limited time) for items or services rendered; the thing thus sold.
- I didn't have much money, so I bought the special.
- We're running a special on turkey for Thanksgiving.
2.A meal offered only at a certain time by a restaurant, not as a standing fixture of the menu; often, one of a rotation of meals systematically offered for a lower price; also often a dish at a nondiscounted price that is seasonal or otherwise exciting or unusual.
- The Tuesday lunch special is our tuna melt on rye.
- Today's dinner special is wild salmon, which we don't normally get a chance to offer.
3.Unusual or exceptional episode of a series.
- Did you see the Christmas special?
4.A special constable.(colloquial)
- And you can't trust a "Special" like the old-time copper when you can't find your way home.

Common· #547

From Middle English *special, especial, especiall, from Old French especial (whence also French spécial), from Latin speciālis (from speciēs).

In this sense displaced native Old English synderlīċ.

Doublet of especial.